NFL world mourns Hall of Famer Jimmy Johnson’s passing

Pro Football Hall of Famer Jimmy Johnson, who starred prominently with the San Francisco 49ers, died this week. He was 86.

Johnson is one of the most celebrated players of the pre-merger era.

San Francisco announced Johnson’s passing with a social media post on Thursday afternoon.

“The 49ers are saddened to learn of the passing of Jimmy Johnson. Our organization sends its deepest condolences to his family and friends,” the team said.

The 49ers are saddened to learn of the passing of Jimmy Johnson.

Our organization sends its deepest condolences to his family and friends. pic.twitter.com/9HEXRi7MBw

— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) May 9, 2024

Johnson played for the 49ers from 1961-1975. The 49ers drafted him sixth overall in the 1961 NFL Draft out of UCLA. During his illustrious career, he earned eight All-Pro selections – four First Team selections and four Second Team selections. He was voted to the Pro Bowl five times and earned a spot on the NFL’s 1970s All-Decade Team.

The 49ers later enshrined him in their team’s Hall of Fame and retired his No. 37 jersey. In 1994, the Pro Football Hall of Fame opened its doors for Johnson, inducting the celebrated defensive back.

In his playing career, he earned 47 career interceptions and two pick-sixes. He also played wide receiver, where he caught four receiving touchdowns in his career.

Many in the NFL world mourned his passing after the news emerged. We, too, send our condolences to the Johnson family.

Only rarely would other teams’ quarterbacks even look his direction, and more often than not regretted the decision if they challenged him.” https://t.co/iR1sf5yFAK

— WAFF 48 (@waff48) May 9, 2024

We’re saddened to learn of the death of Hall of Fame defensive back Jimmy Johnson, who spent the entirety of his 16-year career with the San Francisco 49ers.

Johnson’s career-

⚬ 4x First-team All-Pro selection
⚬ 4x Second-team All-Pro selection
⚬ 5x Pro Bowl selection… pic.twitter.com/avQaglAX63

— Four Verts 🏈 (@FourVerticals_) May 9, 2024

#49ers cornerback Jimmy Johnson, a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame class of 1994, died Wednesday night at 86, the HOF announced.

Johnson is one of six Hall of Famers who spent his entire career with the 49ers.

— Eric Branch (@Eric_Branch) May 9, 2024

A moment of silence, please, and one last interception that put the lock on “lockdown cornerback” with the passing of #49ers great Jimmy Johnson. pic.twitter.com/T7QbbjPfcM

— Jeff Domingues (@jeffdomingues) May 9, 2024

[San Francisco 49ers]